Japanese martial arts encompass a large variety of martial arts that are extremely diverse with differences in training techniques and tools, as well as, philosophy. The martial arts of Japan may be divided into categories, koryu and gendai budo.

The difference between the two categories is whether the art existed prior to the Meiji Restoration or after. Koryu refers to the arts that originated in Japan prior to the restoration and is a term that means old school, or traditional school. Ko, meaning old or traditional and ryu, meaning school. The koryu martial arts were those arts whose purpose was expressedly for use in war.

Gendai budo actually means the modern martial way and is used to describe a martial art that originated after the Meiji Restoration or that lost its status as a koryu. The philosophical focus of gendai budo is the improvement and growth of the individual, whereas the focus of koryu lies in the application and techniques in relationship to war. Koryu martial arts are often called the jutsus or "the art of". Gendai budo are usually noted by do or "the way of".

Some of the most well known martial arts today are Japanese in origin. They include Sumo, Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, Kendo, Iaido and Karate. Technically speaking, Karate is not a martial art of Japan but originated in Okinawa and was adopted by the Japanese; however, all of the others listed are strictly Japanese in origin.

Sumo wrestling began in ancient times and was popularized by the tradition of holding matches during harvest festivals. The earliest records of Sumo show the first match as being held during the time of Christ. Sumo matches were held during Shinto festivals as well and Sumo training became part of military training. Sumo wrestling continues to be enjoyed in Japan and retains much of its traditions today.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba and is a modern martial art. Aikido is "the way of unifying with ki (energy)". Aikido is based on principles of using the force from an attacker's movement through harmony with the movement, speed and timing. In Aikido the force (ki) is not resisted it is just redirected until the attacker is no longer a threat. Movements tend to be circular in motion and there is a focus on building ki. There is little focus given to striking in Aikido and most of the redirection of the attacker is based on putting them on the ground. Competition is not an issue in most styles of Aikido since that is not

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